J & S Hamburg Downtown — Restaurant in Traverse City

Went there with a group of people just past noon on a weekday. The inside was mostly empty, and the outdoor tables were about half full. When we went in were told by the woman apparently running things from the kitchen that it would be a 30 minute wait. We deliberated for a minute and agreed that was okay, at which point - despite no one else entering - she told us it would be 45 to 60 minutes. We said that would be okay and sat down.

We sat for 15 minutes waiting for our waitress to take our orders. When we started to order, we ordered lunch items (in the afternoon) and were told by the woman in the kitchen that they were not serving lunch. Fed up, we got up to leave.

The waitress moved to the next table, and the people there said, "we heard you're only serving breakfast." The waitress then replied that, no, they were serving lunch and they could order whatever they wanted. Which they did.

We were completely polite and accommodating the whole time; the woman who was running things, not so much. I can only assume that she had no intention of ever serving us but didn't have the basic decency to tell us that and instead wasted our time and lied to us.

Would rate this 0 stars if I could. Horrible experience, horrible owner (I assume), horrible attitude, horrible everything. Don't bother going - they might just decide not to serve you for...

I stopped in for a bite this morning and was actually kind of disturbed by my experience, I do not make many reviews if that tells you anything.

The waitress, while kind, efficient, and punctual, was engaging in conversation that I would not ever consider professional. The patrons she was speaking with were quite loud and very inappropriate. While I shared their sense of humor and even cracked a few jokes myself, I would never bring my family, let alone my child to this establishment as a result. The cook was also engaging in the conversation which was kind of bothersome.

I noticed I was short on time and let the cook know that I wanted to cancel my order since it wasn't made yet, he instead rushed the order under cooking my eggs, I had sunny side up eggs but there was quite a lot of white still uncooked and it was pretty gross, I didn't feel super well afterwards.

The coffee was the best part of the meal.

But what really stood out to me was how unclean the kitchen was, there is YEARS of grease and god know what else dripping down the sides of their Vulcan flattop. There are other areas of concern but that certainly stood out as I sat there observing the establishment.

1 star only because the waitress's punctuality was on point, but I will absolutely not be back to the J&S on...

In the past this restaurant has been a good value but they don't seem to be adapting to the times. The menu has not changed much in the last 15 years and their prices are very high for the food you get. Example: If you want just an olive burger and no side they will still make you pay for the side making a single 1/3lb olive burger with ketchup and mustard added run you $14.71. I hate to compare with South Airport but it's a start difference at that location with revamped interior and menu. Lately they have also started closing at 3PM during weekdays and service has really started to dip. During the busy times the wait is long even if you are picking up a meal to go or call to order in because the staff is down in numbers. Edit: I polished this review to be more accurate on the pricing. I really think this place can take back off again being right next to a lot of foot traffic but as it stands my money is better spent at Barrio or Slab Town. I bussed dishes at this place at 7 years old while my mom waited tables here 22 years ago. It would be sad to...